Christmas Traditions

Dec. 17, 2018 by Christopher Kontos

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As adults, we sometimes forget the main reason this time of the year is so exciting and meaningful to kids is that Christmas is all about them. As the holidays approach, we see the excitement in children’s eyes increasing. It’s a very special time for them and that’s why we have prepared a new collection of Christmas content for kids to have a beautiful Christmas and New Year holiday. Take a look at the Kalanda and new songs and all the videos and exercises that we have prepared for them. If you do not have an account with us, now is the time to create one by clicking here. Don’t worry, the first month is free!!

Children depending on their age ask questions about where Santa comes from, what kind of cookies we’ll bake this year, and what kind of present they’ll get. Greek culture recognizes the importance of Christmas and New Year traditions for kids as they grow into active members of society.

Even if kids can’t put it into words, they know that our Christmas and New Year culture and traditions focus on them. They know that we’re preparing to pass down the valuable lessons our parents, relatives, and older people we respected, passed down to us. We felt it when we prepared the Christmas ship (karavaki) and hoped Agios Vasilis would bring us a good present. That’s why Christmas and New Year activities, sweets, parties, games, and presents are more meaningful to kids than any other time of the year.

For instance, our culture includes the story of the Kallikantzari; kids enjoy the stories about these goblin-like creatures that go around creating trouble for society from Christmas day to the 6th of January (Epiphany). This tradition is such an integral part of our culture and is so fascinating to kids because it addresses their own mischievous side. As the Kallikantzari ‘surface’ the Earth to cause trouble to society and disappear, the naughty side of kids ‘surfaces’ to the forefront of their conscience and disappears as parents and tradition teach them necessary lessons. This tradition enables kids to reflect and- mature with every new year on their journey into adulthood.

Our traditions teach kids many valuable lessons that will serve them and society, their whole lives. For instance, kids know we want them to find the coin in the Vasilopita. From this, they understand how we love them and they gain a deep sense of how we’re all working for their good fortune before our own. With the Smashing of the Pomegranate – apart from having a great time – they understand we look at them as the future of the family’s prosperity and understand that the family’s future lies within their hands.

It is our culture and traditions that teach our kids invaluable lessons through us, as they, in turn, will teach their kids one day. For instance, as adults, we marvel at kids’ excitement as they team up to sing the kalanda together. We rejoice as they overcome a few mistakes and the fear of getting the music and lyrics right. We know their glee for their earned pocket money doesn’t come from the reward itself, but from their discovery of their power as a team, their respect for elders, and the reward of achievement in society.